Bondi Beach, Sydney | Top 150 Bikini Destinations
SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES / AUSTRALIA
A Sydney morning at
Bondi Beach.
Swim between the flags, follow the sandstone coast, then sit down for lunch with the salt still in your hair.
Plan your beach day ↘TOP 150 BIKINI DESTINATIONS / NEW SOUTH WALES
Start at the water.
Follow the coast.
Bondi Beach is a broad crescent of golden sand between two headlands on Sydney’s eastern coast.
Begin with coffee on Campbell Parade, check where the lifeguards have set the flags, and leave time for the walk toward Tamarama. Keep the Pavilion in mind if the weather turns.
ON THE WORLD MAP
On Australia’s southeast coast.
Bondi Beach, Sydney, New South Wales
01 / GETTING THERE
Start in Sydney.
Campbell Parade
The lights come on at the corner of Campbell Parade.
Photo: Sardaka · CC BY 3.0Get around Bondi
The promenade connects the north end, Pavilion and south end. Metered beach parking is available on Queen Elizabeth Drive and Park Drive, but the bus is easier on busy beach days.
On the beach
Council lifeguards patrol Bondi year-round. The flagged area can move with the surf. Check the beach status and the signs at the water before swimming. Beach status ↗
02 / BEACH ESSENTIALS
Know before you go.
A full-service city beach with cafés, public amenities and accessible routes to the promenade.
01 / HOW TO GET THERE
Bus to Campbell Parade
From Bondi Junction take the 333 to Campbell Parade, then cross to the promenade. The bus leg is usually a short ride, with time varying by traffic. If driving, check the posted meter rate and time limit at Queen Elizabeth Drive or Park Drive. Arrive early on sunny weekends.
Pavilion transport and parking ↗02 / BEACH ACCESS
Promenade and accessible entry
The promenade and Pavilion entrances are paved. Some beach entries have stairs, and soft sand follows the paved approaches. Waverley Council provides adult and child beach wheelchairs at North Bondi. Check the council’s current access arrangements and conditions before relying on a route to the water.
03 / THE SAND
Golden sand and sandstone edges
The main bay has fine golden sand that heats up in direct sun. Sandals help for the walk across it. The ends of the bay have exposed rock shelves. Stay well back when waves are washing over them.
04 / FOOD & WATER
Coffee and lunch near the sand
You’ll find cafés, takeaway and restaurants by the Pavilion and along Campbell Parade. Hours vary by venue. Bring a filled bottle and a card. If you need cash or a specific dietary option, sort that out before setting up on the beach.
05 / CHAIRS & UMBRELLAS
Shade is worth planning
Beach Hire Bondi lists equipment hire. Check its current inventory, collection point and rates before you go. The open sand has little reliable shade. Bring a hat and plan a break on the promenade if you cannot set up shade safely in the wind.
06 / RESTROOMS & SHOWERS
Toilets, showers and changing rooms
The Pavilion has public toilets, showers and change rooms, with accessible amenities at its north end. Lockers cost extra. North Bondi also has accessible toilets and an outdoor shower near the beach wheelchair lockers. Ask the on-duty lifeguards for first aid or beach safety advice.
BONDI PEBBLE
Start on the sand.
Pick a spot near the flagged swimming area and look for the lifeguard signs.
Shop Bondi Pebble ↗03 / THE BEACH
A day at Bondi Beach.
From the southern headland
From the south end, the headland gives you a view across the bay.
Photo: AlbertSpiegelei · CC BY-SA 4.001 / EARLY
Start with the promenade
Pick up a coffee and walk the bay before it fills.
02 / MIDMORNING
Find the flags
Look for the red and yellow flags and ask about the day’s conditions.
03 / MIDDAY
Walk toward Tamarama
Take the south-end path if it is open, then turn back when you have had enough.
04 / AFTERNOON
Take a long lunch
Change at the Pavilion and pick a table off the promenade.
Come in the morning for a walk across the bay and a flagged swim if conditions allow. Leave the warmer part of the day for lunch or the Pavilion. If the path is wet or exposed to strong wind, trade the cliff walk for the Pavilion gallery or a Sydney Opera House tour.
04 / NEARBY BEACHES
Four beaches along the coast.
The coastal walk leads south from Bondi through Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly to Coogee. The distances below are straight-line estimates. Allow more distance and time on the path.
Tamarama Beach
A narrow pocket of sand below the coastal path, open to swell.
- Best for
- Watching the surf from shore
- Facilities
- Council patrols, park and public amenities nearby
- Good to know
- Rips and shore break can be strong. Follow lifeguard directions.
Bronte Beach
A small bay backed by a grassy park, with a rock pool toward the south end.
- Best for
- A picnic or an ocean-pool stop
- Facilities
- Council patrols, public amenities, nearby cafés and metered parking
- Good to know
- Check the surf and pool conditions separately.
Clovelly Beach
A narrow inlet with concrete platforms on the sides and a small sand beach at the inland end.
- Best for
- Looking out across the inlet from the promenade
- Facilities
- Public amenities and an ocean pool. Check current patrol coverage.
- Good to know
- The entrance can be rough in a swell. Keep clear of the rock platform when waves reach it.
Coogee Beach
A wider bay with a promenade and parkland near the end of the coastal walk.
- Best for
- Lunch and a bus back after the walk
- Facilities
- Patrolled swimming area, public amenities, cafés and bus stops
- Good to know
- Check the flags and take the road route if cliff sections are closed.
Distances are straight-line from Bondi Beach. Facilities change by season, so check on the day.
BONDI PEBBLE
Take the coastal path.
Bring walking shoes and carry a cover-up for the stops between beaches.
Shop Bondi Pebble ↗05 / MUST-SEE PLACES
Three ways to see Sydney.
01 / SOUTH BONDI
Bondi Icebergs Pool
Look back across the bay from the ocean baths. Check pool conditions and public entry before you go.
Pool conditions ↗02 / EASTERN BEACHES
Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
Follow the cliffs past Tamarama and Bronte. You can turn back at either beach, or continue to Coogee and take a bus home.
Coastal walk guide ↗03 / CIRCULAR QUAY
Sydney Opera House
Walk the harbor forecourt or reserve a tour if you want to go inside.
Opera House tours ↗EXPLORE THE AREA
Bondi Beach and the eastern beaches.
Find the Pavilion midway along the beach, the Icebergs pool at the southern end and Campbell Parade behind the promenade. Follow the coast south toward Tamarama.
Open the interactive map ↗BEYOND THE BEACH
Beyond the sand.
From the ocean baths to the harbor, see how the city meets the water.
Bondi Icebergs
Check the pool’s status before heading down for a swim.
Photo: Sardaka · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sydney Opera House
The harbor opens up below the pedestrian path on the bridge.
Photo: Delstan · CC BY-SA 4.0
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Walk the garden paths for views across the harbor.
Photo: Anthony Winning · CC BY 2.5
Festival of the Winds
An archival view of the kite festival from 2010.
Photo: Newtown grafitti · CC BY 2.006 / SIX HOTELS
Find your base.
THE ROCKS
YHA Sydney Harbour
$ Budget · From A$134 per night for a premium harbor-view room on the published two-night offer. Check availability.
A hostel with a rooftop harbor outlook and a mix of shared and private rooms, about 7 km from Bondi in a straight line.
YHA Sydney Harbour official site ↗DARLINGHURST
ibis budget Sydney East
$ Budget · Sample direct quote around A$100 per room/night. Check Accor for your dates.
A simple base near Kings Cross station, about 5 km from Bondi in a straight line.
ibis budget Sydney East official site ↗BONDI
The Baxley Bondi
$$ Mid-Range · Check direct rates for a compact room or a private ensuite.
Small rooms on a residential street about 1.5 km from the beach in a straight line. Check which room types share a bathroom.
The Baxley Bondi official site ↗COOGEE
Adina Apartment Hotel Coogee Sydney
$$ Mid-Range · Sample direct quotes around A$190–275 per room/night.
An apartment-style base near shops and buses, about 4 km from Bondi in a straight line.
Adina Apartment Hotel Coogee Sydney official site ↗SYDNEY CBD
Swissôtel Sydney
$$$ Upscale · Check room rates for your dates.
A city-center hotel at 68 Market Street near the Queen Victoria Building, with rooms and suites. Allow time to get to Bondi.
Swissôtel Sydney official site ↗DOUBLE BAY
InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
$$$$ Luxury · Sample hotel-direct listings around A$440–630 per night including taxes. Recheck dates and terms.
A bayside hotel near Double Bay’s shops and ferry wharf, about 3.5 km from Bondi in a straight line.
InterContinental Sydney Double Bay official site ↗
WHEN TO GO
Choose the day you want.
Sydney’s Observatory Hill averages put summer daytime highs near 26°C and winter highs around 17°C. Bondi is patrolled year-round, but the surf and flags determine whether you should swim. Check wind and marine conditions separately. Climate normals ↗
BONDI PEBBLE
Pause for coffee.
Pick up a coffee before the walk or stop at a kiosk on the return.
Shop Bondi Pebble ↗07 / FOOD, LANGUAGE & LOCAL LIFE
From sand to table.
Fish and chips
A Sydney fish-and-chips example from Drummoyne.
Photo: Mw12310 · CC BY-SA 3.0What to order
Try fish and chips after a swim, or start with a flat white and a breakfast roll. In Bronte you can find Brazilian food a short walk from the sand.
Local habits
Check whether the café offers table service or takes orders at the counter. Keep the cliff path clear for other walkers, and take your takeaway packaging with you.
A LITTLE AUSTRALIAN ENGLISH
Useful on the beach and in town.
- Arvo
- Afternoon
- Takeaway
- Food or coffee to go
- Flat white
- Espresso with steamed milk
- Between the flags
- The marked area to swim while lifeguards are on patrol
SIX RESTAURANTS
Where to eat.
BONDI
Fishmongers Bondi
$ Budget · About A$20–40 for selected fish dishes, based on the local delivery menu. Counter prices may differ.
Pick tempura fish and hand-cut chips for a casual lunch near Campbell Parade.
Fishmongers Bondi official site ↗POTTS POINT
Piña Potts Point
$ Budget · Bacon-and-egg roll A$14; coffee from A$4.50.
Stop on Orwell Street for coffee and breakfast. Check opening days before making the trip.
Piña Potts Point official menu ↗BRONTE
The Coop, Bronte
$$ Café · See the current menu for prices.
Stop for a coffee or brunch on Macpherson Street after leaving the coastal path.
The Coop, Bronte official site ↗COOGEE
Bathers Coogee
$$ Mid-range · See the breakfast or lunch menu for current prices.
Finish the walk with a meal on the Coogee beachfront. The restaurant posts breakfast and lunch menus and takes table bookings.
Bathers Coogee official site ↗WATSONS BAY
Doyles on the Beach
$$$ Upscale · About A$60–82 for classic fish and chips, depending on the fish.
Take a separate harbor outing for seafood and fish and chips by the wharf. Reserve a table if you want to sit by the water.
Doyles on the Beach official site ↗BENNELONG POINT
Bennelong
$$$$ Luxury · Allow around A$235–240 for the three-course menu. Check the current price before booking.
Book a meal inside the Opera House and leave time to walk the harbor forecourt.
Bennelong official site ↗08 / NEW SOUTH WALES AFTER DARK
Three bars.
Hotel Ravesis
Go for a drink on Campbell Parade and a look back over the beach. Hotel Ravesis ↗
North Bondi Fish
Stop near the north end of Bondi Beach for a drink with a water view. The drinks menu includes alcohol-free options. North Bondi Fish drinks menu ↗
Stay near Bondi if you want an easy walk back. From Coogee or the city, plan your last bus or train in advance using Transport for NSW.
09 / SHOPPING
Pick up something local.
BONDI BEACH / CAMPBELL PARADE
Bondi Farmers Market
Shop seasonal fruit, bread and other food at the market on the Bondi Beach Public School grounds.
Hours Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Bondi Farmers Market ↗BONDI BEACH / GOULD STREET
Gould Street boutiques
Browse local design shops, starting with St. Agni’s clothing, bags and shoes at 75A Gould Street.
Hours St. Agni Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
St. Agni Bondi boutique ↗BONDI / BONDI ROAD
Surf Culture Bondi
The surf shop stocks boards, wetsuits, leashes and repair supplies at 186 Bondi Road.
Hours Main contact listing Mon–Wed 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Thu 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m., Fri–Sun 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Call ahead near opening or closing time.
Surf Culture shop hours ↗Expect posted prices at the market and in boutiques. Ask before bargaining, carry a little cash for small stalls, and check for card surcharges. A locally designed beach towel or a small jar of Australian honey makes a useful souvenir.
10 / SYDNEY EVENT CALENDAR & MONEY
Plan around the celebrations.
Sculpture by the Sea
The exhibition usually runs from mid-October to early November along the Bondi to Tamarama cliff walk. Check the organizer for the next season’s timing and access details.
Sculpture by the Sea official site ↗Bondi Festival
The winter arts program usually runs in July around Bondi. Check the organizer for the next program and ticketed performances.
Bondi Festival ↗Currency / Australian dollar
The Australian dollar is AUD, often shown as $ or A$. Cards are widely used. Check for surcharges at the till and carry a little cash if you prefer a backup.
Reserve Bank of Australia banknotes ↗
BONDI PEBBLE
An adjustable fit.
The top and bottoms have ties. Check the garment measurements on the product page.
Shop Bondi Pebble ↗11 / WHAT TO WEAR
Pack for surf and stone.
THE BONDI BEACH BAG
Swim.
Walk.
Stay out.
On the sand
Wear the Bondi Pebble bikini with a loose shirt, hat and sunscreen you can reapply after swimming.
On the headland path
Bring a dry top and shoes with grip for stairs and sandstone paths. Stay on the marked route and check for closures after rough weather.
In town
Pack a light layer for the sea breeze. Change into a dry shirt or dress if you’re heading into the city for dinner.
12 / BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Good to know.
Which airport should I use?
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD). Take the airport train and connect via Central and Bondi Junction, or take a taxi or rideshare.
Where should I swim at Bondi?
Swim only between the red and yellow flags. Ask a lifeguard about the day’s surf and stay out if the beach is closed or flags are down.
Is Bondi Beach step-free?
The promenade and Pavilion have accessible approaches. Contact Waverley Council about the beach wheelchair and the route onto the sand at North Bondi.
How long is the Bondi to Coogee walk?
The full walk is about 6 km. Allow time for stairs, views and breaks, and check for closures before setting out.
What should I do if the surf is rough?
Walk the promenade or visit the Pavilion. If you want a pool swim, first check Icebergs’ status and entry conditions.
FOG & FOUNDRY / SWIM
Pebble print, bright ties.
A fuchsia triangle top with cream pebble dots pairs with bright orange tie-side bottoms.
Explore the matching bikini ↗
Read next · another destination
Read next · another destination
Read next · another destination
